When it comes to perks like streaming services and other extras, two plans run neck and neck: Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome and T-Mobile’s Experience More. We give Verizon a slight edge thanks to its modular approach to customizing perks -- even if each one comes as a separate paid add-on. When we specced out the two plans with similar offerings, the cost was about the same.
While other providers tend to reserve perks like streaming services for higher-tier plans, Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome lets you add them individually to suit your needs -- typically for $10 a month each, depending on the service. That includes a Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus bundle (with ads); Netflix and Max bundle (with ads); and a family subscription to Apple One (for $20). Although it feels like annoying upselling, you get to pick and choose which ones you want. You can toggle perks on or off anytime -- or skip them altogether. You can even add multiple perks to a single line if you choose.
That add-on approach applies to mobile hotspot data, too. By itself, the plan offers no way to wirelessly share your cellular connection from your phone, but for an additional $10 you can add 100GB of data.
International options include unlimited talk and text in Canada and Mexico and 2GB of high-speed data before ratcheting down to unlimited data at 3G speeds.
Each person on an account can pick a different plan that suits them (unlike T-Mobile and AT&T, which require everyone to share the same plan at this comparative entry level). From a perks perspective, for example, that means one person who travels frequently could add the 3 TravelPass Days option ($10) to their line. Some perks, such as Apple Music Family, are added to the cost of one line and the benefit is shared by up to five family members. (Each perk has its own restrictions, so be sure to read the details carefully.)
However, the Unlimited Welcome plan isn't as welcome when it comes to 5G data speeds: It can only tap into regular low-band 5G. That means that even if you had a capable device and were within range of a midband or millimeter wave 5G signal, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of Verizon's fastest 5G Ultra Wideband ("5G UW" or "5G UWB") speeds.
Why we like it
There's no set amount of high-speed data before a line is throttled, so you don't need to keep an eye on your data usage -- but at the same time, this plan only supports 5G, not 5G Ultra Wideband. We also like that each person on a Verizon account can have their own plan with different perks. In a family, for example, an adult could add hotspot data (for an extra $10), but it can be left off for a child who doesn’t need it, even if both of them are on Unlimited Welcome.
Who it's best for
Families who want to keep costs low but still have options for some perks.
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